Race Report: Cordillera Mountain Run (22k) 2017

The beautiful Cordillera Mountain Range gave Ultramarathoner Mike Famaranglas a reason to run despite his Achilles Tendonitis Injury. With a Slower Pace, he got a better appreciation of the beauty of the Cordillera.

Cordillera Mountain Ultra

The Cordillera Mountain Ultra (CMU) is one of the prestigious ultra trail run events that I’ve been expecting and awaiting since last year. When I first saw their pictures and videos from their website on Cordillera Conservation Trust, I was totally impressed with the extraordinary views of the mountains of Cordillera. I’ve finished my college in Baguio for 4 years but I never got the chance to visit this place so I said this time I have to do it.

Last January, I really wanted to register already. I am just scared that my old Achilles Tendonitis injury will strike again I’ve been really hesitant to join. But with the encouragement of a good friend Lynne of Team RTR who’s also a passionate trail runner like me, I registered for the 50K distance since this is really what I wanted ever since. However when I met Coach Titus and had couple of therapies with him, he said I have to stop running long distance until I’m fully recovered that’s why I have no choice but to downgrade my race from 50k into 22k. He advised me to take it easy and just walk only whenever I can.

Dalupirip, Itogon

During my first day in Dalupirip, Itogon, Benguet, I enjoyed the hospitality of our homestays. I got to explore the village and meet the kind local people. I also got the chance to meet some local and foreign trail runners who are here just only for the Cordillera Mountain Ultra.

With our kind host Ate Merlyn at Art during our homestaysDuring the registration, claiming my bibWith Jonel Mendoza, Organizer and Race Director of King of The Mountain (KOTM)With Jan Nielsen, 2016 Champion of Hardcore Hundred MilesWith Stephanie Davidson, a French based in Makati, the champion of 21k (22k) female categoryWith XinYan Wu, a Singaporean. Her partner Greg Playfoot was competing in Vertical KM run that morningWith Wayde Nash, an Australian based in Vietnam

With KarHoe Ng, a Singaporean (Left), me, Lynne Nazareno (right) and Jonathan Dado (far right)Having a good chat here with Jan Nielsen on how he missed the Halo Halo of Chowking. 🙂 He looks serious but he’s a funny guy.During the briefing of 50k and 21k (22k). My friend Lynne looks excited here. 🙂

Race Day

In the morning of March 4, I woke up around at 3am just to have some light breakfast with peanut butter bread and coffee. I was also preparing to wear my trail running gear and wear plasters on my feet too to avoid any blisters. Our gun start held at exactly 4:30am so I was so excited about it.

Count down to the gun start of 21k (22k)Picture taking before the gun startMap from my StravaElevation profile from my Strava

It started with small uphills and downhills on the road on the way up to the mountain while crossing two hanging bridges. The run at the beginning was only at an easy pace until I reached at the start of steep uphill. Most of the time I can only walk since I don’t have much training but just to enjoy the view of the beautiful mountains of Cordillera. It even amazed me when I reached on the summit as the whole view looks like a painting to me.

Attempted to run on the summit at 1,200 MASLA sweet result of my run

Finished my first trail run this year just within the cut off time of 8 hours in 22km. Am glad that all my legs strengthening paid off. Although my original plan was 50km, due to injuries I had to downgrade it. I am still happy to have witnessed the beautiful scenery views of Cordillera and it’s also an honour to give my full support for a Trunners team mate of Team RTR for the entire race. For now this is my last race until am fully recovered. For sure next year, I will go back to finish the unfinished business for my 50K. I look forward to meet these cool people again.